Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-05-27

Francisco he entered the Constitutional
Convention which met at Benecia to frame
the State Constitution OF California, and
was unanimously elected permanent PreSl-
dent of that body. The State was admit,
ted into the Union September 9, 1850, snd
in the first General Assembly, Governor
Smith was nominated for United States
Senator but was not elected. In 1852 he
determined TO return to Virginia after bav-
inc snent but two years on the coast, in
which time, however, he had accumulated
a property Welding him au annual rental
of SIS. 600. and assisted in framing the
first Constitution of the first Pacific State
In 1853, ia less than year alter his re-
turn 10 Virginia, he was elected to Con
gr-ss and by successive reflections served
in that body until March 4, 1861. Return
ing home he found Virginia IN a state oil
civil commotiOn, prohablyunparalied In MS
tory unless it be that of France IN the early
DAYS of the French Revolution. Hasten
ing to cast his fortune with those OF his
native state; ard though IN the siXty-iourth
wear of his age. rendered his services TO
Governor Letcher by whom he was prompt.
" commissioned rs Colonel and assigned
the command of the 49th Regiment OF Viz
ginia Infantry. In this capacity ne served
until 1862 when he was elected member
of the Confederate Congress. Upon the
adjournment of that body he again went TO
the field and commanded his reginIentat the
Battle of Seven Pines where he lost hity
five per cent. of its members. At the bat
tie of Sharpsburg, Md. September II, lsO2,
his regiment was actively engaged, and he
himself severely wounded. In April, 1868,
he was promoted to the rank of Brigadler
General, and in August OF the same year
to that of Major General. In the autumn
of the same wear he was again elected Gov
ernor of Virginia, in this capacity he was
serving at the time of the evacuation OF
Richmond, when he determined to remove
the seat of government to Lynchhurg.
Three DAYS after his arrival at that place,
General Lee surrendered at AppomattON
and Governor Smith yielded himself to the
Federal authorities and received his parole.
Returning to his home in Faquier county,
he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and
for several years has been recognized as
among Virginia's most able advocates oil
temperance.
Early in life Governor Smith was united
in marriage with a Miss Bell, with whom
he happily lived for the long period OF
fiitv-eight wears. They had issue several
children. the eldest of whom, William II,
WAS lost at sea somewhere in the North
Pacific Ocean, while serving as midShip-
man in the United States Navy.
James c., the second son, lawyer, ear
ly in life removed to California, where he
served ~ a member of the General Assem-
bly, ofthat State, aud was several years
Judge OF the Superior Court of San Fran
cisco. lie died at New Grenada, Central
America, while serving rs attorney for
great LAND company in that country.
Austin f., the third son, was appointed
Chief Naval officer Of the port OF San
Francisco, by President Buchanan, but re-
signed in 1861, and returning to Virginia
entered the Confederate army and was
kille Il at the battle of Gaines Mill.
VIRGIL A. LEWIS.